Chewing it over: Public attitudes to alternative proteins and meat reduction

SUMMARY:

• Although policymakers are reluctant to engage with the idea of meat reduction for fear of sparking a political backlash, the public are much more comfortable with it:
  • 57% of the country believe that most people should eat less meat, while only 16% disagree.
  • 58% of people have taken steps to eliminate or reduce their own meat consumption.
• Interest in meat reduction is motivated by health, environmental and animal welfare concerns, with the latter being widespread – 61% have some discomfort with the way animals are treated on farms.
• The public have limited understanding of the extent of animal welfare issues in the UK, but are very supportive of tougher animal welfare standards: 59% endorse a ban on all factory farming, and 66% say they would be willing to pay more for higher-welfare meat.
• There is less consensus on whether the government should get involved in meat reduction – 43% believe the government should encourage people to eat less meat, but 34% disagree.
  • The public tend to support softer policy interventions like public education and labelling – 74% would support government-mandated animal welfare labels on meat products.
  • While 58% support subsidising plant-based meat alternatives, 69% are opposed to an equivalent meat tax.
• The public can be divided into four groups based on their attitudes towards animal welfare and meat reduction:
  • 19% are ‘Meat Lovers’ – they tend to view animal products as healthy and environmentally problematic, though with some concerns about welfare;
  • 12% are ‘Animal Lovers’ – 96% of them have made some effort to avoid or limit meat and 58% are vegetarian or vegan;
  • 32% are ‘Animal Sympathisers’ – only 6% are vegetarian or vegan, but 83% have tried to reduce meat consumption and they tend to have pro-animal views;
  • 37% hold no strong views.
• Although some remain wary, particularly of cultivated meat, the public are open to alternative proteins:
  • While only 26% are satisfied with the existing products on the market, 52% would be open to eating them in future.
  • More people find plant-based meat alternatives convenient and tasty than not, but only 28% find them affordable.
  • Only 39% would try cultivated meat, but Animal Sympathisers were the group most likely to try it, suggesting they appeal to ‘swing’ consumers.

The third and final report in the series will look at how far alternative proteins can promote higher animal welfare and how likely they are to succeed.